Sydney, Feb 20 (IANS): The Australian and Indian womens national cricket teams were officially welcomed to Sydney at the iconic Sydney Opera House ahead of the T20 Womens World Cup 2020 opening match at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday.

The formalities, hosted by Stuart Ayres MLC Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Bronnie Taylor MLC Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, showcased a taste of Sydney's unique and diverse spirit and its local culture with a special indigenous performance by Redfern-based Tribal Warrior on arrival and acknowledgement to the country by indigenous Australian player, Ashleigh Gardener.

T20 World Cup CEO Nick Hockley took to the stage before lawyer and Founder or Women In League, Mary Konstantopoulos, hosted a Q&A with Australian captain Meghann Lanning and Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Both captains were presented with commemorative cricket bats painted by Wollongong indigenous artist Zachary Bennett-Brook.

In light of the recent bushfires, 30 junior players from Camden Cricket Club presented each player with an annual koala adoption from Port Stephens Koalas, a gift that helps with the rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas in the region.

Following the formalities, fans young and old got up close and personal with their cricket idols at the T20 Fan Activation on the Sydney Opera House forecourt for a special player appearance and signing.

The T20 Fan Activation and other interactive events will pop-up around the city throughout the T20 Women's World Cup Tournament.